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Soon after the Waterborne Abyss had been discovered things had gone back to the, somewhat, usual routine in Cloud Recesses. Shufu was due to come back from Qinghe in the evening, the guest disciples were either lazing around or stressing about it, Wei Wuxian was once again copying rules and talking Wangji's ears off in the Library Pavillion… All was well, thought Lan Xichen. That was until a commotion brought him back to the Library, him and at least a dozen curious disciples, mostly Lan, but a few guests disciples including the Jiang Sect heir were too.
He was expecting a prank from the Jiang Head Disciple had finally broken his little brother's restraint, he was not expecting to see them tied together at the wrist with Wangji's ribbon. Less surprising, his brother had visibly silenced Wei Wuxian and was doing his best to ignore him. Wangji also looked significantly distressed by the situation. Still nothing actually dangerous seemed to be happening, the situation was too good to refrain from teasing, sorry Didi.
“Oh dear! How forward of you Wangji!”
“Xiongzhang!” The look of absolute outrage on his stoic brother's face made Lan Xichen giggle. The reason must not be too evident, because Wei-gongzi had stopped fighting the silencing spell and poking Wangji to look at him in confusion. Taking a breath, Lan Xichen smiled at the both of them before addressing them more seriously this time.
“I’m going to assume that if you didn't untie the ribbon it's because you can't. We'll discuss what happened in Shufu's office. Apologies Wei-gongzi but you'll have to bear the silencing spell a bit more, rest assured you'll be free to speak as soon as we have privacy.”
Lan Xichen wasn't as fond of the silencing spell as his uncle and brother were, but unfortunately the whole affair had already attracted enough attention as it was and he couldn't risk Wei-gongzi unleashing the numerous thoughts in his brain right now. The boy looked a bit disgruntled about it but didn't make any sign of protest. It was admittedly a bit weird to see him this way.
Not wanting to delay this any further, he swiftly asked the curious disciples to leave, promising Jiang Wanyin that he would be called if needed. Since in his words his shixiong actions reflected on the Jiang Sect. He wasn't wrong. And in this particular case depending on what had happened they might have to call the Jiang heir’s parents to the Cloud Recesses. Hopefully, about a good news.
The move from the library to Shufu’s office hadn't been as chaotic as expected even with Wangji deliberately walking at a pace just barely under a run. The minute they were inside and the privacy talismans activated he lifted the silencing spell on Wei-gongzi.
Wei Wuxian's brain was working overtime on the short walk between the Library and the Sect Leader’s office. He had to admit to himself that he didn't feel that good to have Lan Zhan so out of sorts and angry with him when it wasn't even his fault! He wanted a reaction from the other boy, yes. And he did annoy him and prank him specifically for that purpose quite a lot. But he had done nothing more than get close to him when his ribbon decided to tie them up together. That hadn't stopped him from needling and teasing at first, but his brother's remark was making him think that this was a bit more than a stupid prank. He still wasn't pleased with the silencing thing. He needed to make it clear he wasn't guilty and fast, he was faintly remembering there were a bunch of rules about the forehead ribbon but couldn't put his finger on the specifics…
And suddenly, he was pulled out of his head by the lifting of the silencing spell. After a petulant look at Lan Zhan, who was stubbornly looking at the ground, for having silenced him without even hearing him out, he didn't waste a moment more.
“Zewu-jun! I swear this time it isn't my fault! I was only trying to put a flower in Lan Zhan's hair.” He ignored the muttered: “Frivolous!”, from the boy tied to him and kept going. “And I couldn't even do that, because when he caught me his ribbon tied us together and he silenced me immediately…”
Wei Wuxian was somehow feeling more disappointed about his failure to put the flower in Lan-er-gongzi’s hair. He was convinced it would suit him well, elegant and pretty as he was, he just wanted to see it on him and see him react. After all, Lan Zhan always had the best reactions out of anyone he had ever teased. His boring and cold countenance was so entertaining and interesting to crack, he could easily spend the whole guest lecture doing only that and still have things to discover about the other boy. Maybe he could at some point actually convince him to duel him properly, that would be fun!
“Wei-gongzi? Why were you trying to put a flower in Wangji's hair?”
“I thought it would look good on him, of course! Does it have anything to do with our situation? Do you have an idea of what happened?”
Seeing the eldest Twin Jade give a mirthful smile directed to his brother, made Wei Wuxian look as well. The Lan boy had maintained his closed off expression but he could still see a bit of reddening ear through his hairs. It was weirdly cute from such a serious person. Still he was pretty sure this wasn't helping their situation. Zewu-jun looked at the both of them again before partly answering Wei Wuxian.
“It doesn't have anything to do with it, do not worry Wei-gongzi, I do not think this situation is your fault. Wangji? I'd like to check something about your ribbon, is that okay? In the meantime, please tell me your version of what happened.”
It was soothing to get confirmation that the situation was most likely not his doing, though Wei Wuxian couldn't stop himself from being curious about Lan Wangji’s reaction and turned his eyes on him.
Lan Wangji barely had the time to nod to his brother, accepting the contact with his ribbon from him with no issue, when three people barged into the office. One being Jiang Wanyin, a deep scowl on his face, another being a seemingly distraught Nie Huaisang and the last one an overly prideful Lan outer disciple, the same one who lost his sword to the Waterborne Abyss barely a day ago: Su She. He wasn't surprised per se by the interruption, Wei Ying was boisterous, loud and shameless, also beautiful, clever, righteous, irresistible, surely it wasn't a surprise that his friends were the same. (They weren't, he was shining brighter than anyone else.) Shutting down the shameless thoughts that always seem to plague him around the Jiang Head Disciple, Lan Wangji looked at his brother to see how he would react to the intrusion that broke so many rules. His Xiongzhang didn't get the opportunity before Jiang Wanyin started speaking.
“Apologies for the intrusion Zewu-jun.” At least he bowed properly before going on. “Huaisang and I heard this disciple of yours make some interesting declarations to others. Something linked to whatever Wei Wuxian got roped into this time, what was it that he said again Huaisang?” Lan Wangji was surprised to realize that it was actually the first time he saw the Jiang Sect heir truly angered, he was almost growling while holding the other boy by the collar.
“Well… I really wouldn't know, but I might've heard something about how he taught a lesson to some arrogant young masters and how that way they'll have to suffer through each others presence… and maybe something about how Lan-er-Gongzi was a block of ice thinking himself better than everyone and how Wei Wuxian was the most annoying and obnoxious person around and surely they hated each other and punishing them with more time together would only be fitting. But I really don't know Xichen-ge, I swear!” Nie Huaisang looked like he was about to pass out with how much he was trembling, not surprising thought Lan Wangji.
What surprised him was first what he reported, but he didn't get to linger on that long enough to sort his thoughts out that Wei Ying was making an outraged statement at least as surprising and one that made him feel hot all over in ways that were not appropriate at all for the current location or situation.
“But! I don't hate Lan Zhan! He is so much fun to be around, and nice to look at. Also he is clearly the best in our class, and he is a good person, he is not arrogant at all. What are you talking about? I've been trying to be his friend since we arrived here, how could I hate him?”
Lan Wangji didn't know what to do about how fast his heart was beating and how much his ears were reddening, all of this was very inappropriate to feel and it was the exact reason why he couldn't spend time around Wei Ying. His sect rules warned about excessive emotions and around the boy with moonlit eyes he had nothing but excessive emotions. Many of which were too shameful to put in words even in the privacy of his own mind. Why did Wei Ying have to make it so hard to keep his distance and restraint? And now it was worse, the other boy didn't even know how much the ribbon being tied around their wrists meant. Somehow he felt scared at the idea of Wei Ying knowing and immediately turning it into a joke, another thing to laugh in his face about. He knew that no matter how much he was denying it, a rejection would probably break his heart…
Oh.
It would break his heart to know that Wei Ying rejected the signification beneath their wrists bound by his ribbon. It would break his heart if his feelings aren't reciprocated. He was in love with the most infuriating, brilliant, beautiful, reckless boy he ever met. That… explained a lot about the confusing and shameful feelings and thoughts he had around Wei Ying. He also couldn't help but give his brother an annoyed glare because he clearly had known before himself did.
Lan Xichen had been quite perplexed by the three younger disciples' intrusion and barely had the time for a polite nod before they explained their sudden presence here. The more Huaisang talked the more he lost his usual good natured smile. He was about to address the Lan disciple, who was suspiciously silent considering how much he was looking proud of himself and snickering while looking at Wangji and Wei-gongzi’s predicament, when the Jiang Head Disciple made an outraged speech in Wangji's defence. How cute!
The oldest couldn't help but notice that Wei Wuxian's words had sent Wangji in a spiral of panicking feelings. He had also gleefully noted that in the little time since they had entered the office the Jiang disciple had commented a few times on his brother's appearance, maybe it wasn't as hopeless as Wangji seemed to believe now that he had come to the mortifying conclusion that his “heart palpitations” were in fact proof of his attraction to Wei-gongzi.
Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle at his little brother's annoyance with him upon understanding his own feelings. Truly his Didi was adorable.
Soon enough he steeled himself again to address the Lan disciple held by the Jiang heir.
“Su She, was it? Could you give us your version of what happened? Jiang-gongzi please release him, you and Huaisang are welcome to stay since you brought him here.”
Once the boy was released, both heirs moved away from him, Huaisang sitting next to Wei Wuxian and Jiang-gongzi still scowling and glaring at Su She.
“Humph! I don't regret it, they shouldn't have acted all high and mighty with me when we discovered the Waterborne Abyss. They deserved it for being arrogant and showing off! And it's not like it will actually hurt them or anything…”
Something in Lan Xichen wanted to be angry at the boy in front of him, but he ended up so confused about his reasoning that he stayed calm. Still he needed a last bit of info before finishing drawing the conclusion taking form.
“Since you admit to it, could you please tell us what curse you used? It would help your case to cooperate.”
“It's not even a curse! That’s the best part: it's a spell I found in the Library! See I did nothing wrong.” Preened the culprit.
Fortunately that was all Lan Xichen needed to know about to have the solution. Wangji wouldn't like it. At all. But it was either that or needing the help of the whole council of Elder. The Lan heir let out a sigh before giving directions.
“Huaisang, please go and get someone to pick up Su She here. Inform them that he is to kneel in the Ancestral Hall until Shufu arrives later today. You can then study a bit while I'm sorting this out with my brother, Wei-gongzi and Jiang-gongzi.”
The boy pouted but left without protests, most likely thinking he would get the full story from his friends later. Unfortunately this was touching on some of the most closely guarded Lan traditions and he would rather not explain in front of unneeded parties. Jiang-gongzi was permitted to stay since it involved his sect as well, but Huaisang would have to make do without gossip for now.
The room stayed in a tense silence for a few minutes until Su She was gone and the door closed. All of this was starting to get to Wei Wuxian, and he couldn't stop himself from squirming around no matter how many disapproving looks Lan Zhan gave him. It was clear Zewu-jun had figured something out. And it wasn't something he could talk about with uninvolved people apparently.
Himself wasn't sure what that Su guy was thinking to do that to them. He didn't even know the guy! They had likely seen each other on the hunt where the Waterborne Abyss was discovered but he hadn't stuck out in any way, so he wasn't sure what he had done to attract his wrath. Even more incomprehensible, what did the guy have against Lan Zhan? Himself, sure he knew he was annoying, that's part of his charm, but Lan Zhan? He was basically perfect, why would anyone hate him? Oh. Maybe it's jealousy then. That would make sense.
“So,” the voice of Lan Xichen pulled him back to the present, “I know what spell Disciple Su was talking about. It's not hard to fulfill the condition to lift it but before I tell you what it is, I have some things you both need to know: Wei-gongzi, Jiang-gongzi. First all of this is knowledge usually not divulged outside of the inner disciples of the Lan Sect, please keep it to yourself. Second, you should both have read in our rules that our ribbon is the sacred symbol of our self-restraint and should not be touched by anyone outside of family or spouse. This spell is used to tie two people by marriage, mostly in case of elopement, it only works with the inner clan ribbons.”
Wei Wuxian felt his face pale. He had vaguely remembered that the ribbon was important, but not how much. No wonder Lan Zhan didn't even let him explain or defend himself. But surely it wouldn't count right? They were after all both men, and Lan Zhan should get to marry some calm and elegant Lan maiden who would give him perfect Lan children. Most of all, Lan Zhan shouldn't be forced to do anything he doesn't want to do. Also Jiang Cheng would throw a fit if he did get married by accident. Something about how that kind of thing was only happening to him and how he was always making trouble for the sect.
“Zewu-jun? You said there was a solution to be freed?”
“Indeed, Wei-gongzi. And thankfully it is not too complicated but it might be embarrassing for both you and Wangji. You will need to speak your most honest feelings about each other in front of at least one member of the Lan Clan. Obviously since I'm there, I'll be happy to hear you both out.”
“Xiongzhang!” Lan Zhan protested immediately, his ears all red.
“Wangji… I'm sorry but it's either me or we wait for Shufu, unless you'd rather go to the Elders?” Said Zewu-jun with contrition.
Lan Zhan just let out a defeated sigh after that. Trying to cheer him up, Wei Wuxian turned to him.
“I've already said my part earlier, Lan Zhan. Now it's your turn! I swear I won't laugh when you finally admit that we're friends!”
He got a very unimpressed glare from Lan Zhan in answer as well as a snort from Jiang Cheng.
“Don't be stupid Wei Wuxian, you've been annoying him since the start there is no way he thinks of you as a friend.”
“Not a friend.” Confirmed Lan Zhan without even looking at him, and somehow that stung more than he thought it would. He could at least say it to his face…
“Well then, just say whatever it is you feel. No need to spare me.”
Wei Wuxian had wanted to go for a joking and teasing tone as usual but it had felt flat and disheartened instead. Golden eyes were on him now, and he could feel himself blush at the intensity. Whatever, it's not like he actually wanted to be close to Lan Zhan, if the other refused his offer of friendship that was his loss. (He desperately tried to forget about how much he actually enjoyed spending time with Lan Zhan, how he could even make copying lines interesting, or how beautiful his face was and how much he would like to paint it again and again.)
“I do not dislike Wei Ying.” Started Lan Zhan before taking a deep breath. “But I do not want to be friends either, I apologize for the discomfort my words will bring to Wei Ying and will accept your wishes to keep my distance once the spell is complete.”
There was something resigned in Lan Zhan's tone and he didn't like it. He liked even less the implications that it would make him push Lan Zhan away.
“I have been remiss in my restraint and have entertained the desire to keep Wei Ying as my spouse.”
“Uh?” Wei Wuxian eloquently said.
“What?!” Interjected a very angry Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian didn't register when his shidi spoke. His brain was turning around the idea of Lan Zhan as his spouse. The idea of being Lan Zhan’s husband. It didn't even cross his mind as an actual possibility, but now? Now it was a possibility. Lan Zhan didn't lie, and certainly not about things like that. Still he had to confirm it one way or another. Maybe he would want that… like that… spending his life with Lan Zhan… but…
“But Lan Zhan we can't have children!”
“That's your first concern?” Squawked Jiang Cheng.
Three flabbergasted faces turned to Wei Wuxian.
“Well… hum it's not like I thought it was possible for Lan Zhan to like me like that and I don't even know if I do like him like that as well but… I don't think I'm against it, I uh… Lan Zhan are you sure? You deserve better than me, I won't fit in your Lan lifestyle you know.”
Lan Zhan was looking at him now and if he hadn't already been red-faced Wei Wuxian would be now. So much soft hope and sincerity shining through the still guarded expression of his Lan Zhan, it was too much to handle and his poor heart was beating so fast it was ready to jump out of his chest.
His Lan Zhan.
He might… already have his answer but he couldn't resist asking for something more. Something that would make more than Lan Zhan's cute ears blush.
“Lan Zhan? When you said spouse, what did you think of exactly?” Everyone reported their attention on Lan Zhan.
“Night-hunting?” A firm nod answered.
“Going on dates and holding hands?” Lan Zhan looked away from Wei Wuxian but nodded firmly as well. So cute, thought the Jiang Head Disciple grabbing the other’s hand.
“Maybe some kissing?” At this Wei Wuxian had unconsciously closed the distance enough that his face was barely a hand apart from Lan Zhan's. The latter was starting to breathe a bit erratically but didn't back away, one tiny nod and a flushed neck answering for him.
“More than that?” Wei Wuxian had the fleeting thought that maybe he was pushing it with that question when the burning gold of Lan Zhan’s eyes rose again to his own slightly dazed silver eyes. And then, he didn't have time to think about anymore because a pair of very soft lips were on his own and demanded his whole attention.
It was clumsy, somewhat intense and would have gone probably longer if he wasn't forcefully separated from Lan Zhan by a very purple Jiang Cheng. That was a shame he definitely had to kiss Lan Zhan some more. At least he could say he had his answer on what he wanted. Looking at his shidi he gave him a pout, knowing he was on the verge of exploding already.
“Chengcheng? Why did you interrupt? I was having a nice moment with my fiance right now…”
“Who are you calling Chengcheng?! And what do you mean fiance? You actually want to marry him?! Wait no… seeing as you speak of him so much that's not really that surprising… Do you realize you just had your first kiss in the middle of Lan Qiren’s office? Couldn't that wait a bit more? Also you realize that the ribbon fell off your wrists after you held his hand? You really could have spared me the sight, how shameless do you have to be? Did you even remember that Zewu-jun and I were here with you?”
He had in fact realized none of that but Wei Wuxian wasn't about to admit it, and instead answered the only point in there that interested him.
“Well, we're a bit young to be married but surely we could be betrothed. Lan Zhan, Zewu-jun, that's possible right?”
In front of him, Lan Zhan looked the happiest he ever saw him when he let out a little “Mn.” Zewu-jun suddenly looked very tired when he answered.
“I'll talk to Shufu tonight after dinner. You'll clearly both need some chaperones with you from what I just saw… Before that's arranged, Jiang-gongzi please keep Wei-gongzi in your quarters. I'll do the same with Wangji. I'll also send an invitation to Jiang-zongzu and Yu-furen so the betrothal can be discussed in person.”
“Fine.” Said Jiang Cheng, before smirking at his shixiong. “Wei Wuxian, you'll be the one telling A-Niang what exactly happened that you're now engaged to Lan-er-Gongzi.”
On those dreadful words, Jiang Cheng started dragging him away from his fiance. Lan Zhan adorably tried to follow but was dragged back immediately by his brother. When the door closed he was left with nothing else to do than complain to his shidi about how mean he was to separate him from his Lan Zhan and how he had no sense of romance.
Later that day, when Lan Qiren arrived home he was immediately welcomed back by his nephews, before having dinner in private with them for once. He had such a shock learning about the day's events that the healers were called and no one remembered about Su She kneeling in punishment before curfew.
Of course, since gossiping is forbidden in Cloud Recesses, the rumors of the betrothal between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had been heard by everyone before the morning lessons.